Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
bayer image?width=719&height=464&fit=crop&auto=webp
bayer image?width=398&height=256&fit=crop&auto=webp
Bayer x Her Campus

Thinking about an IUD? Here Are Some Things to Consider Discussing with Your Doctor

This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% from Her Campus.

 

Brought to you by Kyleena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 19.5 mg and Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 52 mg x Her Campus

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR KYLEENA AND MIRENA
• If you have a pelvic or genital infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Kyleena or Mirena. Less than 1% of users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain, or excessive bleeding after placement, tell your healthcare provider (HCP). If Kyleena or Mirena comes out, call your HCP and avoid intercourse or use non-hormonal back-up birth control (such as condoms or spermicide). Kyleena or Mirena may go into or through the wall of the uterus and cause other problems.
• Pregnancy while using Kyleena or Mirena is uncommon but can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.
• Ovarian cysts may occur but usually disappear.
• Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular.
Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.

Kyleena and Mirena do not protect against HIV or STIs.

Only you and your HCP can decide if Kyleena or Mirena is right for you. Kyleena and Mirena are available by prescription only.

For important risk and use information about Kyleena, please see the accompanying Full Prescribing Information.

For important risk and use information about Mirena, please see the accompanying Full Prescribing Information.

INDICATION FOR KYLEENA
Kyleena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years.

INDICATIONS FOR MIRENA
Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods for up to 5 years in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

Have you been to your OB-GYN/gynecologist yet this year? Scheduling an annual OB-GYN exam is one of the most important things you can do. It’s your chance to explore birth control options – which can be overwhelming because there are so many different methods available. Plus, by following up each year, you are forming a relationship with your OB-GYN that will cement a strong foundation for receiving personalized information about your reproductive health down the road.

It’s never been more important to take control of your reproductive health, no matter what type of contraception you decide to use!

If you’re considering an intrauterine device (IUD), or are completely clueless about what it is, this highly effective, long-acting contraceptive option may seem a bit complicated or intimidating. Luckily, your doctor will be there for you to debunk any myths, address misconceptions and answer your questions about IUDs – so you can feel confident about your birth control choice. 

Here is some information about IUDs to consider discussing at your next women’s health or OB-GYN appointment.

1. How does a Kyleena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 19.5 mg and Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 52 mg IUD work?

An IUD, such as Kyleena® or Mirena®, is placed in the uterus by a doctor to prevent pregnancy.[1,2] With an IUD like Kyleena or Mirena, there is no need to take a daily pill.[1,2] Instead, you’ll need to do a monthly thread check to make sure it’s in place.[1,2] IUDs like Kyleena and Mirena prevent pregnancy by slowly releasing a continuous low dose of levonorgestrel, a type of progestin, into your uterus.[1,2] This is done most likely by thickening cervical mucus, preventing sperm from entering the uterus; inhibiting sperm movement so it’s more difficult to reach and fertilize an egg; and thinning the lining of your uterus, making it less likely for an egg to attach to the uterus. It is not known exactly how these actions work together to prevent pregnancy. [1,2]

2. How effective are IUDs like Kyleena and Mirena?

Kyleena is over 98.6% effective at preventing pregnancy over 5 years.[1] Another IUD option, Mirena, prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years and is over 99% effective.[2] Mirena is also FDA-approved to treat heavy periods for up to 5 years in women who choose an IUD for birth control.[2]

3. How long can I keep my Kyleena or Mirena IUD inserted?

The length of time you can keep an IUD in depends on the type. If you get a Kyleena IUD, it is effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years and should be removed by your doctor at the end of the fifth year.[1] A Mirena IUD is effective for up to 8 years at preventing pregnancy and should be removed at the end of the eighth year.[2] After your doctor removes the IUD, you can replace it with a new one, or you can begin your pregnancy journey.[1,2]

If you decide you don’t want your Kyleena or Mirena IUD anymore, it can be removed at any time by your doctor. [1,2] But remember, it is possible to get pregnant as soon as an IUD is removed, so you should use another form of birth control if you don’t want to become pregnant. [1,2]

4. How may the Kyleena or Mirena IUDs affect my period?

You may experience changes to your period while using an IUD. For the first 3 to 6 months, your period may become irregular, and the number of bleeding days may increase. You may also have frequent spotting or light bleeding, and some women have heavy bleeding during this time. You may also have cramping during the first few weeks. After you have used the IUD for a while, the number of bleeding and spotting days is likely to lessen. For some women, periods will stop altogether. [1,2] About 12 out of 100 women stop having periods after 1 year of Kyleena use,[1] while about 2 out of 10 women stop having periods after 1 year of Mirena use.[2] Call your doctor if the bleeding remains heavier than usual or increases after it’s been light for a while. When the IUD is removed, your periods will return. [1,2]

5. What is the process of getting an IUD, like Kyleena or Mirena, put in?

Once you and your doctor decide that an IUD is right for you, they’ll schedule an appointment for it to be placed – this can sometimes be done during the same office visit. 

First, your doctor will examine your pelvis to find the exact position of your uterus. Then, they will clean your vagina and cervix with an antiseptic solution. Next, your doctor will slide a slim plastic tube containing the IUD through the cervix into your uterus, then remove the plastic tube leaving the IUD in your uterus and cut the threads to the right length.[1,2]

For some women, this process can be uncomfortable or even painful, so it is important to talk with your doctor about actions you can take before and after the insertion to help ease potential discomfort.[1,2] You may experience pain, bleeding or dizziness during and after placement. If your symptoms do not pass within 30 minutes after placement, Kyleena or Mirena may not have been placed correctly. Your healthcare provider will examine you to see if Kyleena or Mirena needs to be removed or replaced. [1,2] Your doctor can walk you through every step of the process and provide tips for preparing for your insertion appointment to make the experience as seamless as possible. You should return to your doctor for a follow-up visit 4 to 6 weeks after insertion to make sure that the IUD is in the right position.[1,2]

Interested in learning more about IUDs like Kyleena and Mirena? Visit Kyleena.com and Mirena.com for more information and talk to your doctor!


IUD QUICK OVERVIEW:

  • An IUD, such as Kyleena and Mirena, is a highly effective, long-acting contraception option that prevents pregnancy by slowly releasing a continuous low dose of levonorgestrel, a type of progestin, into your uterus. [1,2] 
  • IUDs can be used whether or not you’ve had a baby before.[1,2]
  • IUDs can be removed by your doctor at any time. [1,2]
  • For Kyleena, about 7 out of 10 women who want to become pregnant will become pregnant sometime in the first year after Kyleena removal. [1] For Mirena about 8 out of 10 become pregnant within the first year after Mirena removal.[2]
  • IUD insertion discomfort varies. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options before your appointment about ways to ease potential discomfort if that’s a concern. [1,2]
  • You and your partner shouldn’t feel your IUD during sex. (IUDs are placed in the uterus, not in the vagina. Sometimes your partner may feel the threads. If this occurs, or if you or your partner experience pain during sex, talk with your healthcare provider.) [1,2]

See Important Safety Information below, and see here for Full Prescribing Information for Kyleena and Mirena.



INDICATION FOR KYLEENA
Kyleena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years.

INDICATIONS FOR MIRENA
Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods for up to 5 years in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR KYLEENA AND MIRENA
• If you have a pelvic or genital infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Kyleena or Mirena. Less than 1% of users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain, or excessive bleeding after placement, tell your healthcare provider (HCP). If Kyleena or Mirena comes out, call your HCP and avoid intercourse or use non-hormonal back-up birth control (such as condoms or spermicide). Kyleena or Mirena may go into or through the wall of the uterus and cause other problems.
• Pregnancy while using Kyleena or Mirena is uncommon but can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.
• Ovarian cysts may occur but usually disappear.
• Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular.
Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.
Kyleena and Mirena do not protect against HIV or STIs.

Only you and your HCP can decide if Kyleena or Mirena is right for you. Kyleena and Mirena are available by prescription only.

For important risk and use information about Kyleena, please see the accompanying Full Prescribing Information.

For important risk and use information about Mirena, please see the accompanying Full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects or quality complaints of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

  1. Bayer. Kyleena Prescribing Information.
  2. Bayer. Mirena Prescribing Information.

BAYER, Kyleena and Mirena are registered trademarks of Bayer.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
© 2022 Bayer. Whippany, NJ 07981

The information in this article may be useful but does not constitute medical advice. This article is not used to make diagnoses, prescribe medicine or provide treatment, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with qualified healthcare professionals who are familiar with your individual medical needs. For questions about contraception, please talk to your healthcare professional.